FIRST: Land Rover to launch new Range Rovers
Land Rover will open their order books for the first-ever hybrid versions of the Range Rover and the Range Rover Sport next month.
Set for delivery in 2014, the super-green, all-aluminium models – which share an identical powertrain – will be available for reserve from September 10.
They become the world’s first-ever premium diesel SUV hybrids.
Both models hit 0-62mph in less than seven seconds, while a 26% CO2 emissions cut will see official figures drop to 169g/km – equivalent to 44.1mpg.
They will have a top speed of 135mph and offer eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, while offering 340PS and class-leading 700Nm torque.
John Edwards, Global Brand Director of Land Rover, said: “We are excited to introduce the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport Hybrids, the world’s first hybrid SUVs with legendary Land Rover capability.
“The addition of a smooth electric drive enhances refinement, cuts CO2 emissions and delivers staggering performance on a par with our SDV8 engine.”
The new Range Rover Hybrid powertrain features three driver-selectable modes, combining Land Rover’s 3.0litre SDV6 diesel engine with a 35kW electric motor weighing less than 120kg.
It produces 125lb/ft of torque to boost acceleration, driving the vehicle in EV Mode.
The motor also acts as a generator, harvesting kinetic energy through regenerative braking and charging the battery when the vehicle is slowing.
In driver-selectable EV mode the Range Rover Hybrid can travel at speeds of up to 30mph for a range of up to one mile.
The Range Rover Hybrid has the same five-seat capacity and luggage space as the standard vehicle and retains the full-size spare wheel.
